Eagles vs. Broncos: A MASH Unit Showdown in Week 5
Let’s be honest, the NFL injury report is often more dramatic than a daytime soap opera. One minute, a guy is a full participant, the next he’s nursing a mysterious “illness” that suspiciously clears up by Saturday afternoon. This week, as the Philadelphia Eagles limp their way to Denver to face the Broncos, the list of walking wounded is long enough to make you wonder if they held practice in a minefield. The Eagles, a team with Super Bowl aspirations, seem to be held together by athletic tape and sheer willpower.
Every week, it feels like another key player is questionable, leaving fans to refresh Twitter endlessly for any scrap of news. Is it just part of the game, or is there a dark cloud hovering over the NovaCare Complex? Whatever it is, the injury list for Week 5 is a real nail-biter, and it could be the deciding factor in this cross-conference clash.
Are the Eagles Running on Fumes?
When you look at the Eagles’ side of the injury report, it’s a who’s who of players you absolutely cannot afford to lose. The biggest blow is linebacker Nakobe Dean, who is officially OUT with a knee injury. Here we go again. Dean, who started the season on the PUP list, just can’t seem to stay on the field.
It’s frustrating for a player who was supposed to be the new heart of this defense. While he was a full participant in practice, which is just bizarre, right? He’s not ready for game day. The Eagles will have to rely on their depth, and thankfully, fellow linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who missed practice for personal reasons, is expected to play. Still, losing your starting middle linebacker is never part of the game plan.
But the anxiety doesn’t stop there. Seeing Lane Johnson (shoulder) and Dallas Goedert (knee) on the list is enough to give any Philly fan a panic attack. These two are pillars of the offense. Johnson is arguably the best right tackle in the league, and Goedert is a top-tier tight end who serves as Jalen Hurts’ security blanket. Thankfully, both were full participants in practice and are expected to play.
But let’s be real, a “full go” with a shoulder or knee issue means they’re playing through pain. One wrong hit and this game could get ugly fast. The same goes for defensive tackle Jalen Carter (shoulder) and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (groin). Carter has been a wrecking ball, and the secondary, which already looks vulnerable, desperately needs a healthy Jackson. They’re all listed as good to go, but you have to wonder how close to 100% they really are.
Are the Broncos Secretly Healthier Than They Look?
Over in Denver, the injury report looks a bit less terrifying, but there are still some names that raise an eyebrow. The only player officially ruled out is tight end Lucas Krull with a foot injury that conveniently popped up on Friday. It’s a loss, sure, but with Adam Trautman and Evan Engram healthy, and Nate Adkins cleared from concussion protocol, the Broncos’ tight end room should be just fine. Honestly, the bigger story for Denver is who is playing.
Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss (ribs) was a new addition this week, but after practicing in full, he’s cleared for action. Nik Bonitto is still dealing with a wrist issue, but will play, giving the Broncos their key pass rushers. And thank goodness for Sean Payton’s sanity, All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz has recovered from his mid-week illness and is ready to pave the way for the ground game.
The most interesting case might be receiver Marvin Mims Jr., who was questionable last week with a hip injury and then decided to add an ankle ailment to his collection. The man is collecting injuries like they’re Pokémon cards, but apparently, none of it is enough to keep him sidelined. Then there’s linebacker Alex Singleton, who leads the team in tackles while sporting a club on his hand for a thumb injury. You have to respect the toughness, but maybe that club is why he’s missed so many tackles. Just a thought.
